LAFFITTE, Jacques. Signed letter addressed to “Monsieur Gaug - Lot 194

LAFFITTE, Jacques. Signed letter addressed to “Monsieur Gauguin.” 1 page, in-4 (260 x 220 mm), in black ink, “Paris, November 3, 1836.” Sheet previously mounted at four points (paper losses at two of the points without affecting the text, and pieces of the original backing paper visible at the other two), slight fold marks. In response to a newspaper article. “Until the day my liquidation is complete, I am under the guardianship of the Bank of France and cannot dispose of any sum of money, however small, so I regret to inform you that it is materially impossible for me—at least for the time being—to contribute to the establishment of your new newspaper. [...] Please believe that even if I am not financially involved, I will wholeheartedly support the success of such a worthwhile endeavor.” Is the investment banker addressing Clovis Gauguin (1814–1851), the painter’s father—a Republican journalist who contributed to *Le National* but whose career had not yet truly begun? In any case, his correspondent’s request comes at the worst possible time. Following financial and political setbacks, Jacques Laffitte (1767–1844) was forced to liquidate his bank. In 1837, he founded a new investment bank, the Caisse générale du commerce et de l’industrie. An interesting document.